Does not cause tooth decay, a well-known and unwanted side effect of sugar.

300 Times Sweeter than Sugar: A Natural Alternative

Stevia is derived from the herbaceous perennialStevia rebaudiana, which is native to rain forest areas of Brazil, Venezuela, Colombia, and Paraguay. The indigenous Guarani people of Paraguay have used the leaf for almost 2,000 years as a natural sweetener and a way to disguise the taste of unpalatable medicines. European colonists followed this practice as they progressively settled throughout South America in the 1700s and 1800s.

Two compounds, stevioside and rebaudioside, are responsible for the intense sweetness of stevia, which is up to 300 times sweeter than sugar. For this reason stevia is a valuable alternative not only to sugar but also to artificial sweeteners such as aspartame (Nutrasweet) and saccharin. Since the 1970s, stevia has been used extensively in Japan, where consumers embrace the compound as a way to avoid chemicals in their diets.

Stevia has become so successful in the Asian market that in Japan alone it represents 40 percent of the nonsugar-sweetener market. It is now used extensively in Israel, Korea, Thailand, and China, as well as in its traditional South American environment.

More than Just a Natural Sweetener

Apart from its obvious use as a means of weight control, stevia may be a useful aid in helping to maintain healthy blood-sugar levels. It contains no calories, nor does the body respond to it as it does to a carbohydrate such as sugar; hence stevia is of immense value in assisting with weight management.

Because stevia remains stable when exposed to heat, it is suitable for cooking. In addition, it does not cause tooth decay, a well-known and unwanted side effect of sugar.

The intake of stevia has no reported side effects, either historically in South American countries or more recently from Asian consumers. Interestingly, artificial sugar substitutes, such as aspartame, account for substantial numbers of food additive-related complaints in the United States alone.

Stevia comes in several forms, including concentrated powder and liquid extracts. It is commonly added to foods such as ice cream, chewing gum, cookies, tea, and even skin-care products.

Label Information and Ingredients:Suggested Use: As a dietary supplement, adults use five (5) drops or as needed.